Fridge kicks in louder than usual for 20 seconds and clicks off.

Try cleaning the cooling coils on the fridge, probably all covered with dust & junk. Usually underneath the fridge.

That is Not a good thing.




I will assume the breaker trips when the motor on the fridge kicks in.


How old are the breakers and how old is the fridge? If either is approaching 20 years, I would call an electrician for the breakers and/or go to the wholesale fridge warehouse for a new fridge..

Old fridges need to be replaced, old breakers - even more so.

There is one device that might buy you some time --- a voltage regulator. But don't hold your breath. Rather, read this paper:

http://www.esat.kuleuven.be/electa/publications/fulltexts/pub_1147.pdf

Ultimately you lef t of many details -- like did you just move your old fridge into a new place? Or did the fridge work great for x amount of years and then this started happening? Lots of stuff to know here.

As an example: One time a mouse chewed my wires just enough to cause trouble, but not enough to clue my meter - the meter said the voltage was OK. It can get complicated.

NTL, I doubt you went very long without a fridge.

John

i think that you have diag the problem it is the relay on the compressor . at it age the relay is worn out . i would replace the relay and if it won't start then it may be the compressor . example out 10 friges with this problem 1 will be the compressor and 9 will be the relay. you can also use a 3 or 4 in on kit these help old comp. start easy and keep them running . mm hope this helped . feed back pls .

Those fridges are made by whirlpool . As for the noise check that there is not a build up of frost and the fan is hitting it .

There is a drain line that discharges water from the freezer when the defrost cycle kicks in. It will be a plastic tube that runs from the bottom of the freezer to a tray under the fridge. It has come loose or become plugged I always blow air thru the line and make sure it is not loose. You can also get leakage from an ice maker but this problem will usually show up as ice formingin the freezer first. good luck

RELAY AND OVERLOAD ON COMPRESSOR

Replace the evaporator fan motor.

Ok so we just had our Kenmore fridge quit cooling , everything in the freezer defrosted , and we lost a lot of food,BUT my husband ordered a part #8201786 which is a starter , and installed it and it worked! The fridge was clicking but it just wouldnt kick on, and the fan still worked. There are websites that you can order the part from, It cost $63.05 with tax!!!! good luck

Sounds like the relay (start device) on the compressor has failed.  This is a very common problem especially for models that are 3-5 yrs old.  I would replace that first.